A kind of basket made especially from straw of rushes, especially for holding fish; by extension, the contents of such a basket or similar container, used as a measure of weight.
A collection of items forming the equipment of a soldier, carried in a knapsack.
Any collection of items needed for a specificpurpose, especially for use by a workman, or personal effects packed for travelling.
A collection of parts sold for the buyer to assemble.
The standard set of clothing, accessories and equipment worn by players.
From Middle English kyt, kytt, kytte, from Middle Dutch kitte ("a wooden vessel made of hooped staves"). Related to Dutch kit (see below). The further etymology is unknown.
The transfer of meaning to the contents of a soldier's knapsack dates to the late 18th century, extended use of any collection of necessaries used for travelling dates to the first half of the 19th century.
The further widening of the sense to a collection of parts sold for the buyer to assemble emerges in US English in the mid 20th century.
A short form of kitten and/or kitling. From the 16th century (spelled kytte, kitt).
From the 19th century also extended to other young animals (mink, fox, beaver, muskrat, etc.), and to a species of small fox ("kit-fox"). Later usage (for other animals) perhaps influenced by chit.